Instead of speed humps, the residents created ‘welcome’ mats at either end of the road, using a material similar to artificial turf.

And instead of a plethora of signs, they installed giant plant pots – one featuring the grinning face of the Cheshire Cat from Alice In Wonderland – which light up in headlights.

Hanging baskets that light up at night and fluorescent tiles on houses also helped to create the look, which the residents in Summerton, Oxfordshire, hope will encourage drivers to obey the 20mph speed limit.

Artist and illustrator Ted Dewan, 49, said: ‘I think the best thing about it is our sense of ownership over the road. When you’re in a place where you’re welcome as a guest, you treat it with respect and the research suggests this will happen.

‘It’s not a traffic corridor any more, it’s more like a living space.'

'Everything is someone’s idea that has grown into something, including the Cheshire Cat, which was the idea of eight-year-old Olivia Morgan.'

At £10,000, the measures cost the same as three speed humps.

Working together: Neighbours lend a hand to create the friendly street

Some £2,000 was spent a special type of road paint to mark greeting mats and tiles on the floor.

Six gothic-style planters with flowering trees cost almost £4,000.

Hanging baskets that light up at night cost a further £1,000. A cycle rack made from reclaimed Victorian ironwork £1,000. And reflective glass beads from an airport runway making patterns of stealth bombers in the floor cost £2,000.

The money came from donations by local firms, a city council grant, and residents’ fundraising.

Oxfordshire County Council, the city council and police were all consulted.

The street is one of 11 nationwide taking part in a pilot scheme with transport charity Sustrans to help residents redesign their own streets.

Although some residents said they’d prefer traditional methods, resident Shirley Clark, who managed the project, said: ‘Slow and steady really does win the race. It has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know everyone.

‘We really hope other streets will come and see it. We would be happy to share our expertise.’

Cast-iron measures: Another obstacle is readied for the road in a bid to slow traffic